The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5 - 26

WHAT'S NEW
COLLEGE DAY AND JOB FAIR MAKES A RETURN
AT 2022 IBAO CONVENTION
eager to learn about our brokerage's hiring
practices. I reminded the students to ask their
potential employers important questions and
search for a job that balances their needs and
aligns with their personal and professional
aspirations. I openly shared that I personally
struggle with mental health and have aligned
myself with a brokerage that is a leader
in providing mental health support to our
employees. I was approached after my speech
by several students who thanked me for
addressing mental health-as employers, we
need to speak openly and frequently on this
subject. I look forward to crossing paths with
many of these students as they step into this
next chapter in their insurance careers. "
After the College Day speeches, students
attended our first in-person job fair where
they connected with employers to hear the
benefits of joining the broker channel. The
students had an opportunity to discuss a
hile our Annual IBAO Convention was underway in
October, we focused our attention on the future of the
industry by hosting a College Day and Job Fair at the
Sheraton Centre in Toronto. This allowed companies
across our province to talk to students interested in the industry and
gave the next generation of talent an opportunity to ask questions
and discover employment opportunities.
W
" Students that attended were enthusiastic about learning
about the industry, " said Gabriela Bejarano, Administration &
Project Specialist, IBAO. " They were especially overjoyed with the
opportunity to connect with a number of employers that attended
the Job Fair. All the employers were impressed with the layout of the
Job Fair and how attentive and engaged the students were. The only
negative feedback that we received was that employers wished they
had more time with the students, which is something we'll definitely
consider for our future job fairs. "
During the College Day program, students heard speakers from
various insurance companies share their personal experiences
and what brokers are looking for in new talent. While the students
learned a great deal from the presentations, the speakers also
walked away recharged from sharing their advice and experience.
" Having the opportunity to be a speaker at IBAO's College Day has
truly been one of the highlights of my 14-year career as a broker, "
said Meagan Bingley, Commercial Lines Manager, Rozon Insurance
Brokers. " The room was buzzing with energy and the students were
variety of exciting career paths and learn more about day-to-day life
in the industry.
" Students loved College Day and the Job Fair at the IBAO
Conference, " said John McNeil, Program Coordinator and Professor
for Humber College's Insurance Management program who attended
with his students. " They are still talking about it. Students found a
ton of value in hearing from the various broker thought leaders at
College Day. Students were glowing after both events! "
Recruitment and retention have long been a top priority for
insurance organizations, so it was also great for employers to
have the opportunity to tell their story to a room full of ambitious
students and search for new talent.
" The job fair was a success, " said Ashley Geldof, Personal
Lines Broker, Utter Morris Insurance Brokers. " We just formally
interviewed two candidates, offered one of them a position, and they
have accepted! Overall, it was a great experience! "
We had high expectations for the College Day and Job Fair and can
happily say that they were exceeded. The feedback we received made
us feel that the effort we spent organizing both events was completely
worth it. Thanks to all the amazing companies and students that made
the College Day and Job Fair successful events. We were glad that we
could illustrate to students how essential and diverse our industry is to
our economy. An insurance career provides the opportunity to make
a difference, advance your career, learn a variety of important skills,
work in a stable industry and so much more.
THANKS TO ALL THE AMAZING COMPANIES AND STUDENTS THAT
MADE THE COLLEGE DAY AND JOB FAIR SUCCESSFUL EVENTS. WE WERE
GLAD THAT WE COULD ILLUSTRATE TO STUDENTS HOW ESSENTIAL AND
DIVERSE OUR INDUSTRY IS TO OUR ECONOMY.
26
THE ONTARIO BROKER
The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - Volume 22, Issue 5
